How to Discuss Your Addiction with Your Pastor

How to Discuss Your Addiction with Your Pastor - All American Detox

Anyone struggling with an addiction may also be feeling extreme shame, guilt, and embarrassment. It can be difficult to open up about your addiction, even to those you love the most. But what may come as a surprise, is that your pastor may be just the person to talk to. Having a faith-based community can be so helpful when dealing with any sort of issue. People of faith believe in a higher power and a greater purpose to life. Therefore, talking to your pastor about your addiction can be the best first step to your recovery.

Here we will discuss:

  • How your pastor can help
  • The importance of community discussion
  • Understanding your pastor and getting help
  • How All American Detox can help?

How Pastors Can Help:

            Although they may appear to be wise, intimidating, intellectual leader of faith, pastors are just people like all of us. Pastors are people who preach faith to the community. They believe in the Holy Spirit, sin, and forgiveness. Pastors are highly educated, kind and understanding people and they want to help individuals live their lives in alignment with faith. This includes those who may be battling an addiction.

Pastors will listen to you and share their personal knowledge of addiction, and work towards guiding you back to faith. They do not discriminate against anyone with an addiction and if you are brave enough to open up to them, they will help you. Pastors carry a lot of insight into the world and likely into addiction as well. They will be able to guide you back to faith and into a community-based group that may be able to help you recover from your addiction. They will not judge you, nor will they expose your secret to others. They are trustworthy people whose overall goal is to guide the community to live through and with God.

Community Discussion:

One of the greatest blessing churches bring, is a sense of community. It brings together like-minded people who share a passion for faith in a sacred space. And if there is anything to know about addiction recovery, it is that having a supportive community is crucial to having a fulfilling life away from drugs of alcohol. Finding a community-based recovery group may be exactly what you need to start your journey to recovery. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are entirely faith-based support groups that use the 12-step program to help you reach your goals with the support of others in recovery.

Through the 12-step program, you will focus on 3 key areas; acceptance towards your addiction, surrendering to the recovery process, and active involvement in the community. Each of these are equally as important, however being involved in the community can add value and purpose to your life away from drugs or alcohol. By being involved in the community, you will meet others in recovery and build deeper, more meaningful connections.

Understand Pastors and Get Help

            Although all pastors come from different families in different cultures, with different baggage to carry, they all have the same role within the church. They are to be a leader, a role model, a person of strong faith that guides others to live through God. They spread knowledge and wisdom from the bible, from history and current life to help you understand the importance of living a faithful life. They want to help, and your pastor will help you.

It can feel scary to open up about a drug or alcohol addiction in the sacred space of a church. If this is what is stopping you from speaking your truth to your pastor, then ask if they will meet you outside of the church to talk. More than likely, they will be happy to chat with you somewhere else. The important thing to remember, is that your pastor wants you to live a drug-free, fulfilling life and they will be happy to help you get there.

All American Detox Center

Managing an addiction on your own can be extra difficult, but the good news is, you do not have to do it alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, All American Detox Center is here to help. All American Detox Center provides various options for addiction recovery and individualizes the treatment plan to fit your needs. With the help of many highly trained and licensed professionals, you will learn to understand the root of your addiction and start to build the skills needed to live a drug or alcohol-free life. All American Detox Center is just a simple call away. Call (844) 570-1301 today to learn more about the addiction recovery options and see if All American sounds like a good fit for you.

Citations:

DrugAbuse.com. “12-Step Recovery Programs and Support Groups.”

https://drugabuse.com/treatment/therapy/group/12-step-programs/ Retrieved 12, December 2022

SBC Life. “What is a Pastor?”

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/sbc-life-articles/what-is-a-pastor/ Retrieved 27, September 2022

Northstar Church. “You Asked for it: What is the Difference Between Church and Community?”

https://northstar.church/you-asked-for-it-what-is-the-difference-between-church-and-community/ Retrieved 23, July 2015

Business Matters: Managing Mental Health Matters in the Workplace

Managing Mental Health Maters in the Workplace

For Americans, the average time spent working or in a workplace environment is about 38-40 hours a week. With inflation greatly affecting the United States, this number may be even higher. With 168 hours in a 7-day week, and many of those hours are spent sleeping, driving, or taking care of a household, 40 hours a week to spend in a workplace environment can feel like a lot, especially if the employers do not discuss mental health and wellbeing. But how many employers or workplace environments emphasize the importance of mental health? Does mental health in the workplace matter? Here we will discuss:

  • Benefits of a healthy workplace
  • How to encourage employee health in a workplace
  • Why we need to start talking about mental health
  • How All American Detox Center can help?

Benefits of a Healthy Workplace:

            It should be not come as a surprise that working in a healthy environment comes with many different benefits. However, this is not always achieved, nor is it even addressed by many employers. Before diving into the benefits of a healthy workplace, lets discuss what a healthy workplace looks like.

The Human Resources Director of California defines a healthy workplace as a place where all employees, leaders, and managers can openly communicate and collaborate on their vision of improving the health, wellbeing, and safety of all people involved in the organization or company. A healthy workplace is filled with individuals who care about one another and want to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of each employee.

With the rise of mental health issues throughout the last few years, primarily due to the global pandemic, striving for a healthy workplace is even more important. When an employer allows for open and honest conversation about mental health, the employees are going to feel more secure and trusting of their environment. The improvement of employers, leaders and managers overall mental health and wellbeing is the first and most obvious benefit of a healthy workplace.

When a company is being run by a group of people who focus on prioritizing their health and wellbeing, there is going to be more productivity and greater performance. This will not only help the company as a whole, but also each employee working as well as the customers that interact with the company.

Some other benefits of a healthy workplace include:

  • Improved corporate or company image
  • Lower turnover rate
  • Higher job satisfaction
  • Stronger interpersonal relationships within the company
  • Greater growth and learning opportunities

How Can You Encourage Employee Health in the Workplace?

There are many ways an employer can encourage health and wellbeing in a workplace. One option is to implement a health and wellbeing program. This could be a weekly educational team meeting to discuss the importance of mental health and teach different coping skills and stress management skills. This will help educate each person in the workplace to learn more about different mental health topics and maybe start to implement new stress management or coping skills.

Another option is to provide individualized check-ins with each employee to discuss job satisfaction, their mental health and wellbeing, and allow them to provide any possible feedback that may improve their workplace environment. The biggest thing to consider is to simply incorporate the topic of mental health into the workplace as often as possible. Discussing metal health is crucial for a healthy working environment.

Encourage exercise, a healthy morning routine, decreasing screen time usage and at least 8 hours of sleep at night. This can be incorporate at the workplace by adding monthly challenges for each employee to participate in, such as a Walkathon or tracking your screen time usage. You can add little prizes and make it fun!

Start Talking About Mental Health

          According to the CDC, mental health includes our emotional, psychosocial and social wellbeing and it effects the way we think, feel and act. In other words, it is the way we show up in the world, so why are we still not talking about the importance of mental health? Poor mental health can lead to mental disorders such as anxiety or depression which impacts every aspect of a person’s life.

As a society, we need to start talking about mental health more! Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually can improve the overall quality of humanity. Not to mention, the overall quality of your own life.

All American Detox Center

 While the topics of mental health have become more ingrained into our society and many workplaces, it is still a stigmatized and taboo topic. Oftentimes, when someone is struggling with poor mental health or a mental disorder, they will turn to drugs and alcohol to help them cope with the distress. If you, or someone you know is struggling with drugs or alcohol, All American Detox Center is here to help you. At All American Detox Center, we provide you with a safe and warm environment to help you understand substance abuse and addiction and the importance of mental health. The highly trained and licensed professionals will help you start to build the skills needed to live a life away from abusing drugs or alcohol.

Help is only a phone call away. Call (844) 570-1301 today to learn more about the addiction recovery support options at All American Detox Center.

Citations:

The Balance. “What is the Average Number of Work Hours per Week?”

https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-the-average-hours-per-week-worked-in-the-us-2060631#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,work%20from%20home%20in%202021. Retrieved 7, September 2022

Human Resources Director. “The Healthy Workplace and its 10 Benefits.”

https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/benefits/the-healthy-workplace-and-its-10-benefits/326054 Retrieved 18, February 2022

Made for Minds. “Global Mental Health Issues on the Rise.”

https://www.dw.com/en/mental-health-issues-like-depression-and-anxiety-on-the-rise-globally/a-63371304#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20WHO%20World,to%20nearly%201%20billion%20people. Retrieved 10, October 2022

CDC. “About Mental Health.” https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm Retrieved 28,

June 2021

5 Celebrities Who Got Real About Their Mental Health

The topic and focus of mental health are slowly becoming a normal part of our society. However, there is still stigma attached to mental disorders and mental illness and it can feel isolating for those living with the troubling symptoms tied with all mental health issues. For those living in the public eye with little to no privacy, it can be even scarier to open up about mental disorders. Here will discuss:

 

  • Celebrities who opened up about their mental health in public
  • Different mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
  • Rehab centers and the cost of these programs
  • How All American Detox Center can help

 

Mental Disorders/Depression Problems with Celebrities

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental disorders are characterized by a significant disturbance in a person’s cognition, behavior or emotional regulation. WHO also reports that 1 in 8 people in the world live with some sort of mental disorder. Mental disorders include:

 

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Eating Disorders
  • Antisocial Disorders
  • Neurodevelopment Disorders

 

Although celebrities appear to the public as having it all; money, fame, luxurious lifestyles, etc., many of them live with mental disorders. Here are 5 celebrities who opened up about their mental disorders in public:

 

  1. Demi Lovato: This childhood Disney Channel Star, Demi Lovato has shared about their experience with depression, an eating disorder, addiction, self-harm and eventually was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At the age of 9, Demi had already developed an eating disorder followed by addiction issues starting in their teen years. Demi was eventually admitted into treatment where they were diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Demi has sought help and years of treatment and now uses their experience with several mental disorders to be a public advocate for mental health awareness.

 

  1. Donny Osmond: Donny Osmond has been a performer for most of his life and it may come as a sock that this celebrity has dealt with social anxiety for most of his career. Donny is a well-known music performer, dancer and has provided years of television entertainment, yet the pressure that came with his fame led him to experience severe panic attacks and constant anxiety. Donnie has shared in interviews that his anxiety and panic was intense he felt he would rather have died than walk onto a stage. Donnie now has sought treatment and support and is also a mental health advocate, stating that when dealing with anxiety and depression, “you are never alone.”

 

  1. Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga has been in the public eye since releasing her first hit song in 2008. Since then, she has been climbing the charts, staring in movies and providing mental health and LGBTQA+ advocacy through her social media and at public events. This star has more recently opened up about her experience with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being raped at the age of 19. Gaga has shared that she lives with her mental disorder every day and uses healthy coping skills and nervous system regulation tools such as meditation to help calm her down when her symptoms are peaking.

 

  1. Leonardo DiCaprio: Another shocking celebrity who suffers with a mental disorder is Leonardo DiCaprio. This wildly famous celebrity has shared that he lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Leo stared in the film The Aviator, where his character, Howard Hughes, battles with a severe case of OCD and he shared that while filming he did not try to manage his disorder. DiCaprio has shared that he forces himself not to step on every gum stain he sees on the sidewalk or walk through a doorway multiple times even though his disorder wants him to. Leonardo has learned to manage him symptoms but has shared that some days are more challenging than others.

 

  1. Adele: This strong female vocalist and Grammy award-winning celebrity has shared more recently that she experienced severe postpartum depression after the birth of her son. Adele has shared that the symptoms of the depression following her childbirth was frightening for her yet she refused to get support. Adele has said that she felt inadequate of being a mother and was scared of hurting the child she loved dearly. Eventually, Adele took time for herself and began chatting with other mothers and she shared that the depressive symptoms started to disappear.

 

Rehab Center and Cost

 

Rehab centers are therapeutic programs offered to help those struggling with addiction or substance abuse issues. Rehab centers are offered as either live-in programs (inpatient), or as non-live in, day-to-day treatment programs (outpatient). Rehab is a safe and effective way to be around others in recovery and learn the skills needed to live an alcohol or drug-free life.

 

But how much do rehab centers cost? According to National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, the cost of an intensive outpatient program can range from $1,300- $5,700 and the cost of an intensive inpatient program can range from $2,900- $11,000. While these may seem like daunting numbers, many programs offer financial assistance and support.

 

Get Help at All American Detox Center

 

All American Detox Center is a top alcohol and drug rehab center located in Los Angeles, California. The treatment plans offered are individualized to each person to ensure all needs are being met. Here, you can live with others in recovery and have 24/7 therapeutic support while battling the cravings and learning the skills to live a sober life. The many highly qualified mental health professionals at All American Detox Center will help you understand your addiction and find ways to manage the temptations while learning to live without the help of drugs or alcohol.

 

If you or someone you know are fighting an addiction, call All American Detox Center today at (844) 570-1301 to start your journey to sobriety that lasts a lifetime

Difference Between Parenting and Mental Health Problems

Difference Between Parenting and Mental Health Problems - All American Detox

Parenting does not come with a rulebook that guides you to raise perfectly self-sufficient and mentally stable children. It is a trial and error process that plays the biggest role in your child’s life. Most of our parents did not grow up discussing mental health as a normal conversation. Mental health concerns and resources are far more accessible and normalized now than they ever have been. But what is the difference between parenting and mental health problems? Are parents to blame if their child develops severe anxiety or depression? How can you prevent this from happening?

Here we will cover:

  • What happens if parents have poor mental health
  • Parents mental health support
  • How children can be affected
  • Practical ways to help

What Happens if Parents Have Poor Mental Health?

Parents or primary caregivers are likely the people most involved in a child’s life. This means if a parent has poor mental health, their child will absolutely be affected in some way or another.

Poor mental health could mean:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Lack of motivation
  • Feeling sad or down
  • Excessive fear or worry
  • Excessive sleeping or insomnia
  • Social isolation
  • An inability to connect to others or the world we live in

Poor mental health can lead to severe anxiety, depression, untreated PTSD, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It can also lead to excessive alcohol or drug use. When parents have not been taught helping ways to cope with the stress and overwhelm life and parenthood brings, it can quickly turn into self-soothing through drugs or alcohol. This is problematic for nearly everyone involved in that person’s life, but especially their children.

As a parent, it is our main priority to ensure our children have their basic needs met. Are they fed, clean, hydrated, and supervised? But it is also our responsibility to make sure they feel loved, valued, adored, cared for, and important. So many of us grew up in emotional distant or physically distraught household environments. This can leave a child with years of emotional damage and greatly affect the way they show up in the world.

It was estimated that 10% of children ages 5-16 have a clinically diagnosed mental health problem and about 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem within any given year. But if parents work on healing themselves, and discussing mental health with their children, they can learn to support themselves in a healthy and fulfilling way to then teach this to their children.

Parent’s Mental Health Support

Seeking mental health support does not always come before the children and is an ongoing, never ending process. Therapy can be a helpful way to unload any personal baggage you may be carrying around. There are many different types of therapeutic modalities that can help you navigate and manage any sort of mental health problem.

Parents are often viewed as people who “have it all together.” Children look up to you, other parents may look up to you, and there is a lot of pressure to maintain that image. But parents need mental health support too. There are also tons of parenting support groups that may be able to connect you with other parents dealing with similar issues. The biggest thing to remember, is that while the healing work may be helping you better understand yourself, it is also helping the way you connect and show up for you child.

How Children can be Affected: Practical Ways to Help

When a parent or both parents are struggling with poor mental health, this becomes a risk factor for maltreatment. Parents who struggle with low self-esteem, lack of motivation, poor impulse control, antisocial behavior, high anxiety, or depression compromise their ability to properly care for their child. Children may be abused or neglected due to their parent or caregiver having untreated mental health issues. They may grow up with a lack of self-worth, trauma, feelings of being invisible or not important, or develop their own negative self-soothing practices such as substance abuse or self-harm.

If you are a parent dealing with mental health struggles, you are not alone. Parenting is one of the toughest roles you can take and while it may bring loads of joy and happiness, it can also bring up hardships and struggles. The good news is, there are practical ways to help yourself and your relationship with your child.

The most practical step you can take, is finding a local therapist that can help you understand and manage the symptoms of your mental health issues. There are plenty of therapist that accept insurances or offer a sliding scale-fee. There are also several online therapy services offered at a low cost. Therapy can be an intimidating and daunting experience, but it is available to help you let go of what has been holding you back and find self-soothing techniques to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by your poor mental health.

Other practical ways to help include:

  • Exercise
  • Mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling
  • Reading self-help books, specifically focused on the mental health issue you may be experiencing
  • Breathwork exercises to help calm your nervous system
  • Spending time with others
  • Talking to a trusted friend about your struggles

Get Help

A child’s mental health is supported by their parents. Children learn from the environment they are living in. They can feel the energy within the room even before they are capable of expressing their thoughts or feelings. This is why it is so important for a parent to get help if they are struggling with poor mental health.

If you, or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, All American Detox Center is here for you. All American Detox Center provides clinical support to those who may be battling with an addiction. Please call (844) 570-1301 today to get the help you need and deserve.

Also Read: How to deal with depression and anxiety

Treatment Options for Drug & Alcohol Abuse at All American Detox

blog call to action

Are you finally ready to quit drugs and alcohol once and for all? All American Detox is a drug and alcohol treatment and rehab center in Los Angeles California. Our detox and residential inpatient programs can help you overcome substance abuse in comfort and with confidence. For more information, call us today at (844) 570-1301.

Citations

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Warning Signs and Symptoms.”

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms.

Mental Health Foundation. “Children and Young People Statistics.”

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-

statistics

Child Welfare Information Gateway. “Mental Health of Parents and Caregivers.”

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/factors/parentcaregiver/mentalhealth/#:~:text=A

%20parent%27s%20or%20caregiver%27s%20mental,these%20factors%20can%20comp

romise%20parenting.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services. “10 Tips to Booth Your Mental Health.”

http://www.bcmhsus.ca/about/news-stories/stories/10-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health Retreived October 4, 2018.

10 Damaging Effects That Children of Alcoholics May Endure

10 Damaging Effects That Children of Alcoholics May Endure

The impacts of addiction on children are complex and far reaching. During this crucial age, children need to feel safe and secure–they also require love, understanding and guidance. And because children are still developing, they also must rely on their guardians for material needs like food, water and shelter.

Creating such an environment fosters growth and empowers children preparing them for life’s challenges. A parent who grappling with alcoholism, on the other hand may be neglectful, abusive or dangerous.

Alcoholism is also a progressive disease that gets worse over time, and even if things are okay for now there is no such thing as a functional alcoholic.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction it is important to consider the impact that drinking could be having on your kids. While alcohol addiction can be a hard habit to kick, getting treatment as early as possible is the best way to minimize harm for the whole family

Read on to learn the 10 potential consequences children can face as a result of parental alcoholism.

Developmentally – In the Womb

Alcoholism can impact a child before they are even born, in utero. Alcohol enters the bloodstream, easily passing to the uterus where it is absorbed more slowly. In its vulnerable state, a fetus can endure permanent developmental changes to the body and brain.

Also Read: How to deal with depression and anxiety

1. Physical Development

  • Facial deformities such as cleft lip or palate: a gap (or gaps) that form on the upper lip or roof of the mouth.1
  • Premature birth and low birthweight
  • Hearing and vision loss
  • Small head size
  • Stunted height

2. Stunted Brain Development

The scanned brains of children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) reveal smaller brains as well as malformation in several areas of the brain. Other research found that prenatal poor communication between several parts of the brain.2 Together, the developmental issues associated with prenatal alcohol results in cognitive issues that can persist into adulthood.

3. Problems With Learning and Attention3

  • Memory problems
  • Issues with motor control and coordination
  • Speech impediments and problems with language development
  • Trouble paying attention
  • Poor critical thinking skills

4. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Drugs including alcohol, opioids, amphetamine, cocaine and can lead to what is called neonatal abstinence syndrome or NAS: a condition where a baby is born dependent to the drug that the mother was taking.4

NAS can cause a variety of withdrawal symptoms many of which may complicate the pregnancy putting the baby’s health and life at risk.

Disruption of Childhood Development

5. Neglect

In cases where child maltreatment has occurred, 40% involve alcohol and drug use. This amounts to around 480,000 kids annually.5

Child neglect is the failure of a parent or guardian to secure a child’s fundamental needs including:

  • Physical Neglect: This includes securing material needs like clothing, food, shelter, or keeping them safe from harm.6
  • Educational Neglect: Not enrolling their children in school or pulling them out too often are examples of emotional neglect.6
  • Emotional Neglect: Ignoring, humiliating, or berating, intimidating the child or separating them from others.6
  • Medical neglect: Not providing proper medical care for a child or refusing recommended and necessary care from a doctor.6

6. Physical Abuse 

Psychical child abuse is the second most reported form of child abuse next to neglect; it includes any physical injury intended to cause harm.

Common forms of child abuse include:

  • Hitting or beating (either with bare hands, or an object like a belt or a stick)
  • Using objects like a stove or a lighter to burn the skin
  • Kicking
  • Suffocation by strangulation of holding a child underwater (even temporarily)
  • Restraining using rope or tape.7

Alcoholism is believed to contribute to child abuse for several reasons:

  • Heavily alcohol use can impair areas of the brain responsible for self-control, giving rise to violent behavior against children.8
  • Heavy alcohol abuse causes the abuser to miss social cues and mistakenly assume that family members are treating them with hostility or disrespect; it may also cause them to misjudge the severity of their actions.9
  • Child abusers who are alcoholics are more likely to perpetrate violence if they can place the blame on alcohol instead of holding themselves accountable.9

7. Sexual Abuse

Among both boys and girls, alcohol was found to be a risk factor in child sexual abuse or CSA; it was also found to be more common in families where alcoholism is or had been present.9 For women, alcoholism is also a risk factor for developing alcohol and substance abuse problems later in life.10

8. Emotional Abuse

In many cases, the impact of emotional or verbal abuse are just as damaging as physical abuse. And like physical abuse can be exacerbated by alcohol misuse. Situations involving emotional abuse may include:

  • Verbal bullying
  • Yelling or screaming
  • Putting down for the child making mistakes
  • Isolating the child from friends or family
  • Ignoring or refusing to speak to the child
  • Gaslighting ­– invalidating an individual’s perception of reality; especially when it means denying the existence of physical or emotional abuse.

Alcoholism and child abuse can also occur in the other direction. In other words, children experiencing emotional and physical abuse are at risk of developing alcohol or substance abuse problems as adults.

9. Trauma and PTSD

The exposure of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse at the hands of a guardian or another adult are traumatic experiences. Trauma is also associated with the development of other mental illnesses like anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, Borderline Personality disorder and substance abuse disorder.12

10. Substance Misuse and Addiction

Trauma leaves lasting scars which if left unaddressed can follow a child into adolescence and adulthood. Without the skills to cope, it is likely that they will develop other methods, one of which is self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs.

Having substance abuse issues is also more common amongst those with at least one other mental illness; over 18% of those who struggle with mental illness also have a substance use disorder.13 Having a co-occurring disorder can also complicate the recovery process often requiring more intensive and engaging forms of substance abuse treatment.

Brief about Post-child abuse14

  • 14% of children (1 in 7) experience neglect or abuse every year in the US.
  • 33% of children (1 in 3) who enter the foster care do so as a result of parental drug and alcohol abuse.
  • Child abuse is often thought of as just being intentional physical and emotional harm such as striking or bullying but it also includes neglect. Parents who fail to provide necessities like food, water, shelter, education, or medical care are also committing child abuse.
  • Child abuse is traumatic; children who experience it may develop feelings of guilt or shame, reoccurring memories and maladaptive thinking. Without proper mental health services, they can go on to develop mental illnesses including substance abuse.

Treatment Options for Drug & Alcohol Abuse at All American Detox

blog call to action

Are you finally ready to quit drugs and alcohol once and for all? All American Detox is a drug and alcohol treatment and rehab center in Los Angeles California. Our detox and residential inpatient programs can help you overcome substance abuse in comfort and with confidence. For more information, call us today at (844) 570-1301.

Citations

NHS. (n.d.). Overview -Cleft lip and palate. NHS choices. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cleft-lip-and-palate/

Gadye, L. (n.d.). What is fetal alcohol syndrome, and how does it affect the brain? BrainFacts.org. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.brainfacts.org/diseases-and-disorders/childhood-disorders/2018/what-is-fetal-alcohol-syndrome,-and-how-does-it-affect-the-brain-082318

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 14). Alcohol use during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html

Default – Stanford Medicine Children’s health. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=neonatal-abstinence-syndrome-90-P02387

The relationship between parental alcohol and other drug problems and … (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2022, from http://preventchildabuse.org/images/docs/therelationshipbetweenparentalalcoholandotherdrugproblemsandchildmaltreatment.pdf

Neglect. NSPCC. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/neglect/

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Child physical abuse: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001552.htm

Gouvernement du Canada. (2012, July 26). WHO Facts on Alcohol and Violence: Child maltreatment and alcohol. Canada.ca. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/prevention-resource-centre/children/who-facts-on-alcohol-violence-child-maltreatment-alcohol.html

Widom, C. S., & Hiller-Sturmhöfel, S. (n.d.). Alcohol abuse as a risk factor for and consequence of child abuse. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-1/52-57.htm

Martie L. Skinner, Allison N. Kristman-Valente, Todd I. Herrenkohl, Adult Binge Drinking: Childhood Sexual Abuse, Gender and the Role of Adolescent Alcohol-Related Experiences, Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 51, Issue 2, 1 March 2016, Pages 136–141, https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agv093

Trauma. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/trauma#:~:text=Trauma%20can%20make%20you%20more,difficulties%20in%20your%20daily%20life.

Russ, S. (2020, April 29). One in three children entered foster care in 2017 because of parental drug abuse. Child Trends. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.childtrends.org/blog/one-in-three-children-entered-foster-care-in-fy-2017-because-of-parental-drug-abuse

Inpatient Rehab: Everything You Need to Know

Inpatient Rehab: Everything You Need to Know

An Introduction to Addiction

Addiction is a disease that affects the brain. An addict has an intense focus, also known as an obsession, with a substance. The brain doesn’t care if there are negative consequences to the actions of doing drugs or consuming alcohol. This is why society generally views addicts as people who lack self-control but unfortunately, addiction runs much deeper than that. After all, if overcoming addiction was just a matter of teaching self-control, don’t you think there would be a lot fewer drug addicts in the world?

At All American Detox, we know how torturous and devastating addiction can be. We know that no one chooses to be an addict. No one actively chooses to lie to family and friends about their behavior, feel like they have no purpose in life other than getting high, and become in dire financial stress.  

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We’re dedicated to helping anyone we can who is battling addiction. We know every addict deserves the opportunity to get their life back. Today we’d like to discuss the many benefits of residential inpatient rehab and how it can help you overcome your addiction for good. 

Residential Inpatient Treatment Explained

Since addiction is a disease that looks a little different for everyone, there are multiple treatment options. Inpatient treatment is proven to be one of the more successful routes. During inpatient treatment, our clients remove themselves from their normal surroundings so they can focus 100% on recovery. This is one of the most responsible things an addict can do for themselves. This is one of the few instances in their lives where they can and should put themselves first.

Upon checking into inpatient, our clients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the right course of treatment for them. Then, depending on what substance you’re addicted to, you’ll go through detoxification. During this time, your body will get rid of all of its toxins. It can be extremely dangerous to try to detox on your own, we strongly recommend doing this at a treatment facility. At All American Detox Center, we will make you as comfortable as possible during this process. We will also monitor your vitals constantly to make sure you aren’t experiencing any serious health conditions as a side effect of withdrawing. 

After detox, you will progress to inpatient treatment. You’ll live at our facility while attending various addiction treatment therapies. Depending on the course of treatment determined for you upon arrival, you’ll participate in individual and group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, family therapy, and more. You’ll learn how to live a substance-free life with different coping skills and tools taught during therapy.

Benefits of Inpatient Drug Treatment

benefits of inpatient rehab

  • Support of others: One of the biggest benefits of going to an inpatient treatment center is having the support of others. Getting sober can be intimidating because of the unknown. During inpatient, you’ll be surrounded by other people experiencing the same thing as you which can be really comforting. You’ll also be surrounded by addiction specialists 24/7 in case you have any questions or need anything.
  • Focus: During this time you can focus 100% on treatment! You don’t have to worry about cooking your own meals, work, and other everyday stressors. 
  • Access to different therapies: Most people struggle to get better from addiction or any kind of mental illness because they don’t have access to the right help. During inpatient treatment, you’ll have multiple kinds of therapies to see which is the best fit for you.  

How to Get Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. The first step to seeking treatment is making the phone call. You can call our admissions line to get all of the answers to your questions. We’ll also go over insurance information and then coordinate the little details like transportation to our facility. 

Let Us Help!

At All American Detox, we are a compassionate residential inpatient drug rehab. Our professionals provide detox, residential inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare treatment for addiction. This comprehensive program is designed to work with individuals recovering from addiction from start to finish. Our programs blend traditional treatment techniques and modern therapies, tailoring our plans to meet the individual needs of our clients. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you with drug abuse and alcoholism!

How to Prepare for a Stay in Rehab for Alcohol?

How to prepare for a stay in rehab for alcohol - All American Detox

Deciding to get treatment for alcohol addiction is an important first step on the road to recovery, but the planning needed to enter rehabilitation requires special care.

If you are just starting on your recovery journey it is important to educate yourself on the best practices for preparing your stay in rehab for alcohol and other drugs. This includes things like how to settle your affairs with family and you employer as well as how to make use of insurance and paid leave, how to pack, and how to emotionally prepare for rehab.

Planning for addiction treatment

Step 1: Talk to Your Family

Rehabilitation programs can last anywhere from 1-3 months and in that time, you will have little to no contact with the outside world. If you have important roles in your household such as being the primary breadwinner or taking care of children or an elderly parent, it’s important to make sure that your loved ones have everything they need both to survive and to keep your keep up any household responsibilities in your absence.

Here are some additional things you may want to think about before leaving for rehab.1

  1. Assigning someone to pay the bills
  2. Having your mail picked up or forwarded
  3. Securing childcare for your children
  4. Making sure pets will be taken care of

When you feel confident that all your bases are covered at home it will be easier to get into the recovery mindset once you enter treatment.

Step 2: Tell Your Employer

Many understandably have concerns about telling their employer about a substance abuse issue but in most cases, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If your employer is understanding, they will see your desire for treatment as positive even valuable to the interest of the company.

Telling your employer will also help you to secure vacation time off, sick leave and FMLA (unpaid leave which provides you with 12 weeks of federally protected leave). You will also still retain your medical benefits which will be important for covering the expenses of your stay in a recovery facility as well as any additional aftercare treatment you may need.1,2

Step 3: Packing Your Bags

Rehab centers are secure and isolated facilities. This provides clients with the proper atmosphere to remove themselves from the stressors of daily life to work on their sobriety. Because of this, there are strict rules about what can be brought with you.

For security reasons, there may be items that are absolutely prohibited such as cellphones, laptops or any device that can be connected to the internet as well as clothing that has profane messaging or drug references. Some items like cigarettes, mp3 players or handheld games may be allowed at certain rehab centers but not others.

Just as important as following the guidelines, is packing for the experience. Before going to an unfamiliar place, it is not uncommon to overpack, but you should stick to essentials and make considerations for your environment.

For example, if you are share close quarters with others and you know that there will be on-site laundry facilities you won’t need to pack two or more weeks’ worth of clothes. You also shouldn’t bring clothing that is stiff or uncomfortable.

Instead opt to bring clothing that is cozy attire such as sweaters, sweatpants t-shirts and comfortable footwear. When drug withdrawals kick in, you will be thankful to have them.

It’s also important to note that once you are admitted into rehab, you will have few (if any) opportunities to leave the premises of the recovery center, so it is important to pack smart and come prepared.

Other important items to pack for rehab include the following:3

  • Toiletries (deodorant, shaving razors, a toothbrush, hairbrush, toothpaste, hair care products, soap, and shampoo
  • Athletic clothes
  • Comfortable clothes, socks, and underwear
  • Mp3, CD player or a handheld game that can’t connect to the internet
  • A journal to write in
  • A few good books
  • Insurance card and prescription information

Step 4: Be Ready to Make Connections

The friendships you make while in rehab are crucial to maintaining long-term sobriety. These social support networks are comprised of peers who provide understanding, inspiration and are there to helping in your time of need. Building these relationships is an intentional part of your rehab program and without it you will not get the full benefits or residential inpatient care.

Step 5: Immerse yourself in the experience

Depending on your situation, your reservations about attending rehab. Feeling of guilt or skepticism or worries about leaving family behind are a natural part of things but they shouldn’t stop you from making the most of your time in treatment.

For one many quality rehab facilities have amenities like social areas, gyms, basketball nets or tennis courts that you can utilize in your free time. Some alcohol rehab centers offer holistic treatments like art therapy, equine therapy, yoga and meditation and all of them offer some form of counseling to help you learn more about why you use and how you can best put that knowledge to use while in recovery.

Get prepared mentally

Instead of seeing rehab as an experience that is forced upon you, think of it as an opportunity for self-improvement. So seldomly in life do we get the time to work on ourselves free from the distractions and stressors of the outside world–and there is plenty to learn to learn and do while in rehab.

Having a growth mindset in recovery means believing in your ability as a person to change. Just as alcohol addiction is forged by years of bad habits and poor decisions, so too is it possible to unlearn bad habits and win back your self-control and clarity of mind.

Get Help at All American Detox Center

Are you finally ready to quit drugs and alcohol once and for all?

All American Detox is a drug and alcohol treatment and rehab center located in Los Angeles California. Our detox and residential inpatient programs can help you overcome substance abuse in comfort and with confidence. For more information, call us today at (844) 570-1301.

Also Read: How to deal with depression and anxiety

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Conclusion

Preparing to stay in rehab for alcohol addiction, far from being simple will test your dedication to getting well. There are many moving parts that will need to be handled with due care and consideration such as coordinating with your employer and insurance, setting aside the time and preparing your family for your inevitable departure.

In the days leading up to enrollment you will also need to pack a bag and mentally prepare yourself for the experiences that wait you in alcohol rehab.

Citations

Before rehab, how to prepare. Help.org. (2022, May 25). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.help.org/preparing-for-rehab/

Family and medical leave (FMLA). United States Department of Labor. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/fmla

What to pack for inpatient rehabilitation. UPMC HealthBeat. (2022, April 7). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://share.upmc.com/2017/03/packing-for-inpatient-rehab/

What are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal? Timeline & Treatment

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment - All American Detox

 

Have you or a loved one been struggling with a drinking problem for some time? Despite seeming innocent at first, alcohol can quickly become part of your daily routine and before you know it, you are having several drinks just to get through the day.

Despite being legal, alcohol poses several risks to your health: the worst of which occur when you drink too much. In the short term, binge drinking can lead to dangerous and irresponsible behaviors such as driving while intoxicated, blacking out, fighting or overdosing. In the long-term, alcohol misuse can cause heart problems, several types of cancer, memory and learning problems, poor mental health, and addiction.1

In addition, the wear on the body, heavy and long-term drinkers seeking sobriety must also contend with alcohol withdrawals. More so than any other drug, the side-effects of alcohol withdrawal are destructive and potentially lethal.

Fortunately, with proper care and dedication, it is possible to overcome alcohol addiction once and for all. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, treatment and timeline of alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol blocks glutamate receptors and increases the inhibitory receptors in the brain. This decreases neuronal firing and slows down the brain’s response to stimuli.2 This is the reason we feel relaxed when we drink. It’s also the reason why we get dizzy and exhibit poor judgement.

In cases where long term drinking occurs, brain chemistry is completely altered. When a person stops drinking, their brain can no longer regulate itself and becomes overexcited. This process is what is referred to as alcohol withdrawal.2

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are most pronounced for people who have abused alcohol for an extended amount of time.2 Withdrawals begin to set in within the first hour and are usually mild, however they will get worse as time goes on.

Alcohol withdrawals range from mild to severe and are physical as well as mental. Here are many of the symptoms than can occur when a person stops using alcohol.

Alcohol withdrawal Common Symptoms

  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Difficulty falling asleep or sustaining sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Increased Heart rate
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Anger or irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Alcohol withdrawal Severe Symptoms

  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Body tremors
  • Cardiac Arrythmia
  • Delirium tremens
  • Severe dehydration
  • Thoughts of suicide

Alcohol withdrawals, if not treated properly can result in permanent damage or even death. People who are older, have chronic health conditions and those who are severe or long-term drinkers are at a higher risk of experiencing complications during alcohol detoxification and may need to enroll in a medical detox program to safely detox.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

There are several factors that can impact the duration of alcohol withdrawal. Among them, the number of years the person drank for, the amount of alcohol they regularly consumed, their physical and mental health state, and the presence of other substances or addictions.

6-12 Hours

During the first few hours the signs of alcohol withdrawal begin to set in. At first these early symptoms are mild and may include anxiety, nausea, changes to blood pressure, discomfort, heavy breathing and difficulty sleeping.3

12-48 Hours

During this stage some may also experience visual and auditory hallucinations and seizures.

48-72 Hours

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms peak during this time and can result in fever, quickened heart rate and high blood pressure. Out of those who experience severe withdrawal symptoms, 3 to 5 percent will develop delirium tremens: a condition that occurs as a result of heavy prolonged drinking. Symptoms of delirium tremens include:

  • Extreme agitation
  • Body tremors
  • Seizures
  • Autonomic Overstimulation (nausea, sweating and rapid heart rate)
  • Hallucinations
  • Changes in mental state
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness and confusion
  • Death

Post-acute Withdrawal (72 hours or more)

After about 5 to 7 days, withdrawal symptoms return to more manageable levels making it possible for those to leave medical care without the risk of any health complications.

From this point on, individuals experience some lingering effects called post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS. These symptoms are mostly psychological and may include depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty sleeping and mood swings.4

Those completing alcohol detox will also find that the urge to use alcohol remains. For this reason, enrollment in an inpatient rehab program or intensive outpatient program is highly recommended.

How Is Alcohol Withdrawal Treated

When an alcoholic is finally ready to quit, they will have to decide how to approach it. Many are convinced that quitting cold turkey with little to no support will work out fine, but as we just discussed, alcohol withdrawals have significant health risks for those that try to quit.

Medical detox programs, on the other hand, are equipped to handle the latent complications of alcohol withdrawal and can adapt treatment quickly if things start to go south. Those in medical detox also receive preventive care–they are watched around the clock, their vitals are monitored, and they are given nutritional support so that the body more properly heal itself.

When necessary, patients are also given medication to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. And in the case of a medical emergency, drugs like anti-convulsant may be administered to stop seizures.

Also Read: How to deal with depression and anxiety

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Conclusion – Get Help

Attempting to quit alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous, especially if you are a heavy or long-term drinker. Alcohol abuse can drastically alter the brain leading to an overexcitement in brain activity that can cause seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens. It can also negatively impact behavior causing irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression.

Are you finally ready to quit drugs and alcohol once and for all? All American Detox is a drug and alcohol treatment and rehab center in Los Angeles California. Our detox and residential inpatient programs can help you overcome substance abuse in comfort and with confidence. For more information, call us today at (844) 570-1301.

Citations

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 14). Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. learn the facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

Newman RK, Stobart Gallagher MA, Gomez AE. Alcohol Withdrawal. [Updated 2021 Nov 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/

Tietz, G., & Khan, G. (n.d.). Alcohol withdrawal symptoms: What you need to know. WebMD. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/alcohol/alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline

What is post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)? What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)? | Hazelden Betty Ford. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome

When does Alcohol Become an Addiction

When does Alcohol Become an Addiction - All American Detox

Most people, when asked can recall at least a few memorable events when they took their drinking too far. But after a few “I’m never drinking again” level hangovers, most people return to drinking in moderation, at least most of the time. So, why is it harder for others to walk this fine line?

The truth is, the signs of alcohol and other drug dependence can be difficult to identity, more than likely because it is hard for us to accept when we’ve lost control.

Going through the motions of an alcohol addiction can start to feel very much like stages of grief, where so much time is spent denying the problem.  Attacking the ones who are trying to help and bargaining with ourselves over a few “insignificant” drinks before ending up back where we started.

If any of this sounds familiar, read on to learn about the signs of alcohol and other drug dependence.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction and its Dependance:

You are Drinking Frequently or Heavily

There are several patterns of unhealthy drinking that may indicate alcoholism. The first of which is binge drinking, also known as heavy episodic drinking.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) defines binge drinking as consuming five or more standard drinks in one hour for men or four or more drinks for females.1 In other words, binge drinking can be defined as drinking a large number of drinks over a short period of time.

The other, heavy drinking, is defined as drinking more than four drinks daily or fourteen drinks a week for men and seven drinks a week for women.1

While binge drinking or heavy drinking does not always mean alcohol addiction, engaging in behaviors along with these and getting black out drunk or drinking until you pass out are strong indicators. Another criterion for alcoholism, is continuing to use alcohol despite social and legal repercussions (i.e. loss of job, DUI, and serious health issues).

Also Read: How to deal with depression and anxiety

Friends and Family are Concerned About Your Drinking

People often notice things about us that we miss about ourselves. Not everyone will risk their relationship to confront a friend or loved one about a drug or alcohol problem, but when it’s people that you love and trust, it is time to start paying attention.

If your drinking has reached the point where it is causing harm to others, you may also find yourself being the subject of an intervention with multiple friends and family at once.

You Often Drink More Than You Mean To

How many times have you said, “I’ll just have just a few drinks” and ended up binge drinking anyways?  Not being able to moderate your drinking is a strong indicator of waning self-control–a problem associated with alcohol addiction.2

You Are Engaging in Dangerous or Unlawful Behaviors

It’s no secret that heavy alcohol consumption can result in poor life choices. From DUI’s, infidelity or causing injury to yourself or others, alcohol can result in some pretty life changing consequences.

Normally, these events are a wakeup call, but if a person refuses to get their drinking under control despite repeated negative consequences, this could be a tell-tale sign of alcoholism.

You Feel Terrible When You Aren’t Drinking

As anybody who has spent a night out of heavy drinking can tell you, the morning after hangover can make you regret ever drinking. Heavy drinkers, however, spend a lot of time dealing with the negative health effects of overindulging.

Some of the effects that heavy drinkers and alcoholics regularly experience include3

  • Stomach pain and nausea
  • irritability
  • headaches
  • Low energy
  • Haziness and difficulty concentrating
  • Weakened immune system
  • Numbness of limbs
  • Memory loss
  • Withdrawals (when not drinking)

You Have underlying Mental Health Issues

If you have one or more diagnosed mental health disorders and are abusing alcohol or other drugs, the risk for developing substance use disorder (SUD) is higher. According to the American Medical Association, approximately 50% of those with severe mental disorders also have substance abuse issues.4

The reason for this varies but using alcohol as a substitution for treatment is common. For example, a person might drink when they are feeling depressed or anxious so that they can take the edge off.4

When people lean on substances in this way, sobriety can become unpleasant, making it more likely that the person will spend more of their time drinking.

Alcoholism Runs in Your Family

Research indicates that genetics account for 40-60 percent of a person’s addiction risk. Given this fact, if you are addicted to alcohol, it’s possible that your addiction didn’t start with you.

Addiction is similar to other inheritable diseases with treatment outcomes similar to diabetes.5

Rehab Center for Alcohol Addiction

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When the signs of alcohol and other drug dependance becomes obvious, the next step is to look for addiction treatment.

Alcohol dependency can be dangerous and often requires medical detox, just to be on the safe side. People who attend inpatient alcohol rehab have better access to relapse prevention, medical support, lifesaving medications, and mental health services like individual therapy and peer support.

All American Detox Center, center is a rehab center in California that provides inpatient rehabilitation and detox services for those seeking treatment for alcohol addiction and other substances. For more information about our quality service and facilities. Call us today at (844) 570-1301.

Conclusion

It is not always easy to accept when an alcohol problem has become an addiction, but when it has, there are several signs that serve as indicators. People who are falling into alcoholism begin to drink more and binge heavily.  They also tend to lack the ability to stop drinking once they’ve started.

This may also be an indicator that alcoholism runs in your family or stems from a preexisting mental health issue as well. As a result of heavy and frequent drinking, alcoholics may do things that cause danger to themselves or others and risk life altering consequences if they continue to use.

Citations

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Drinking levels defined. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking 

Verywell Mind. (2021, July 8). Types of drinking habits to avoid. Verywell Mind. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-alcohol-problems-63139 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 18). Alcohol use disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243 

Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2022, August 18). Dual diagnosis: Substance abuse and mental health. HelpGuide.org. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/substance-abuse-and-mental-health.htm 

Retooling our comparisons of addiction to other illnesses. Recovery Research Institute. (2020, July 3). Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/addiction-treatment-policy-expert-suggests-comparisons-addiction-illness-may-need-retooled/ 

Top 7 Reasons Why Lean Is Still a Dangerous Drug

Top 7 Reasons Why Lean Is Still a Dangerous Drug - All American Detox

Often confused with over-the-counter cough syrups, the contents of a cup of lean are often misunderstood especially among teenagers and young adults.

To make matters worse, lean is incredibly popular. Lyrics about the purple drink has become ubiquitous in rap music. Now with celebrity endorsement, lean use has become trendy.

So why is lean so dangerous? Let’s talk about what is really inside that Styrofoam cup.

What is Lean?

Lean, also called sizzurp, Texas tea, or purple drank, is a purple-colored beverage made by combining soda (Sprite or Mountain Dew) and promethazine cough syrup–a powerful prescription medicine.

Lean can also contain candy, like Jolly Ranchers, or gummy worms and in some cases, alcohol is thrown into the mix. Lean typically comes served in a white Styrofoam cup and gets its name due to how its sedating qualities affect posture.

Lean has its origins in the south, Houston, Texas to be exact and was popularized by artists like Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, and Souja Boy. With the opioid epidemic already in full swing, lean is another dangerous opioid contributing to addiction and overdose rates.

Also Read: How to deal with depression and anxiety

1. Lean Contains Codeine

Lean is made using a prescription cough syrup that contains codeine. Codeine is a weaker opioid compared to morphine, but when taken in larger amounts, its effects on the body are no different.

Those that abuse codeine experience a sense of calmness, euphoria and numbness throughout the body, but they can also experience problematic symptoms like respiratory depression, fainting and seizures.

2. It’s Easy to Drink Too Much

Mixed with Sprite and Mountain Dew, hard candy and gummy worms, lean’s sweet flavor encourages drinkers to come back for several cups. This can lead to dangerous or even fatal doses in no time.

For example, a large mixture of lean made with Promethazine cough syrup can exceed almost twice the maximum recommended daily dose of codeine and 3/4 the maximum daily dose of promethazine.1

3. Codeine Can Damage the Body and Brain

Taking large amounts of codeine can result in breathing difficulties, also called respiratory depression. When severe enough, it can lead to hypoxia: a condition where vital organs lose access to the oxygen they need to function properly.

This can have a profound effect on the brain causing permanent damage or even death.

4. It Contains Harmful Additives

What makes lean such a dangerous drug goes beyond just codeine. Add in large amounts of promethazine and dextromethorphan into the mix and the risks begin to multiply quickly.

Promethazine is a common antihistamine. In small dosages it is perfectly safe, but it’s toxic in larger amounts. When promethazine is abused, it can cause a variety of health complications such as2

  • Quickened heart rate
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Hallucinations
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Serious breathing problems
  • Seizures

With popular demand for lean, prices for the drug have skyrocketed. To obtain a cheaper high, some are turning to cough syrups with dextromethorphan [DXM] instead.

5. Lean Is Addictive

Like other opioids, prolonged abuse of lean can lead to addiction. When a person becomes addicted to codeine or other opioids they tend to use compulsively and excessively without regard for their own wellbeing.

Given that lean is expensive, and opioid tolerance can build quickly, it is not uncommon for Lean drinkers to fall into using stronger and more available opioids like hydrocodone, fentanyl, and heroin.4

According to one study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 86 percent of a sample of urban drug users injecting heroin had also used prescription opioids in the past.4

6. Using Codeine Without a Prescription Is Illegal

Some are under the assumption that because Lean is a medicine and cough syrup, there less of a risk of doing hard time. This is actually untrue.

As an opioid with long-standing medicinal use, lean is labeled as a Schedule III substance. But don’t let this designation fool you, being caught with Lean can still mean jail time and severe fines.

In California, being in possession or under the influence of codeine is punishable by up to a year in prison and up to 20,00 dollars in fines. Selling codeine could land you up to 9 years in prison.5

7. Lean Withdrawals Can be Intense

The effects and symptoms of opioids like codeine can vary based on a variety of factors such as age, overall health, and a history of drug use.

Lean withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may include the following:6

  • Powerful cravings
  • Negative changes to mood such as feelings of hopelessness, sadness, depression, and anger.
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Nausea, diarrhea and constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure and increased heart rate
  • Muscle, joint, and bone pain
  • Insomnia and restlessness

It’s also important to mention the symptoms of an opioid withdrawal are potentially fatal. With the help of drug rehab, however, it is possible to significantly reduce these risks.

Treatment Options for Drug & Alcohol Abuse at All American Detox

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Are you or a loved one suffering from opioid addiction or abuse?

Lean and other opioids can rewire your brain and eventually lead to addiction. Since opioid use can also cause severe physical withdrawals, it is crucial to detox under the care of trained professionals

At All American Detox Center, we offer rehabilitation and drug detoxification programs for a variety of substances including opioids and painkillers, alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and other types of prescription drugs. To learn more about our accredited detox and rehabilitation programs, call us at (844) 570 -1301.

Conclusion – How to Get Help

In this article we discussed the many reasons why lean is so dangerous. For younger users the biggest risk comes from a lack of understanding. Lean tastes good and appears harmless, but it’s a dangerous opioid that is as harmful to the body as it is addictive.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t put it off any longer. Call our drug rehab center today at (844) 570-1301.

Citations

Drugwatch information sheet lean (purple drank/syrup). (n.d.). Retrieved August 16, 2022, from http://thedrugswheel.com/drugwatch/Lean_Infosheet_DrugWatch_1_0_Pro.pdf 

Saleh, N. (2022, May 8). Purple drank: Everything you’ve been afraid to ask. Verywell Mind. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/is-purple-drank-going-down-1123889 

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Dextromethorphan: Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, March 22). Prescription opioids Drugfacts. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids 

Illegal possession or selling of “Codeine” in California. Shouse Law Group. (2022, June 9). Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/crimes/codeine/ 

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Codeine withdrawal: Symptoms, timeline, causes, and treatments. Medical News Today. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326849#symptoms